Police to impose Rs 600 fine on those found taking selfie on the JP Setu. Those halting their vehicles will be penalised Rs 100 each.

The Patna police will impose a penalty of Rs 600 each on those found taking selfies on the new rail-cum-road bridge across Ganga river, connecting Digha with Sonepur.

The bridge named after freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan, was on Saturday declared a ‘no selfie’ and ‘no halting’ zone, after seven accidents, which claimed four lives, were reported since chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the road deck of the JP Setu on June 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had opened the rail section of the 4.56 km bridge on March 12 last year.

Six days ago, three minors had lost their lives. Mohammad Afzal, a Class 7 student, Mohammad Arman and Mohammad Ahsan (both Class 6 students) were crushed to death by a speeding vehicle when they were allegedly taking selfies on the bridge.

Precautionary Steps

Traffic SP suggests installing close circuit television on JP Setu

Cranes and ambulances to be deployed at both ends of the bridge

60 cops and NCC cadets deployed on bridge to regulate traffic and guide people

In addition, the police would also penalise Rs 100 each for those halting their vehicles – two-wheelers or four-wheelers on the Setu.

Traffic superintendent of police (SP) Prantosh Kumar Das said, “No vehicle is allowed to stop on the bridge. How can someone stop when there is no footpath made? If people are taking selfies on the bridge, they are putting their lives at risk,” said Das.

He said altogether 60 policemen, besides NCC cadets, have been deployed on JP Setu to regulate traffic and guide people.

On the very first day, the police realised Rs 5,200 in fine from at least 71 vehicle owners who violated traffic norms. Several bikers were fined Rs 600 each and also made to return from the bridge after they were found driving without helmets.

Ever since the bridge was opened, youngsters, especially from the Patna side, have been seen performing bike stunts on the bridge and its approach roads at high speed. According to Saran SP Ansuiya Ransing Sahu, many youngsters were also seen clicking photographs of the bridge or taking selfies on it.

“We are often faced with the menace of people walking on a bridge meant solely for vehicles. A lot of people come here and stand on the bridge to take snaps. Unfortunately, it is very risky for both citizens and motorists. A lot of people also sit on the railings of this bridge, which poses an additional hazard,” a police source said.

Altogether, seven accidents were reported in the last 19 days in which four persons died. Three cases have been lodged — two in Sonepur and one in traffic police station of Patna.